The Kate Effect

On April 29 2011, nearly 3 billion people tuned in to watch a girl from Bucklebury marry a prince born to Buckingham. But the question remained: Would a day full of British pomp and tradition change how Americans choose to wed? Here, we examine how the royal wedding is impacting our nation's nuptial script—and what it means for you.

The Dress

For years, strapless wedding gowns have ruled the salon scene. No longer. Almost as soon as Kate debuted her Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown, says Dan Rentillo, fashion director for David's Bridal, dresses in a similar style began rocketing off the racks. "Women have really respon­ded to the coverage," says Rentillo. "They're asking for ladylike gowns with clean, simple lines." Some brides are taking it even further by requesting a replica of The Dress: By midsummer, several houses, including Justin Alexander, Mori Lee, Theia, and David's Bridal, were selling lacy look-alikes.

The Other Dress

On April 29, Kate was the embodiment of every girl's princess fantasies. But her sister, Pippa, also scored a stylistic home run. By the end of May, says a spokesperson for JS Collection, department stores had placed hundreds of orders for copies of the Kate dress—but thousands for frocks like Pippa's. "If you're having a casual or destination ceremony, Pippa's dress is perfect," says Rentillo.

Of course, P-Middy, as the British press call her, is also changing the way attendants dress. "I predict we'll see more bridesmaids in white this year," says Dallas event planner Todd Fiscus. You can also expect to see fewer of them: "I've met many brides who wanted just a maid of honor and best man but didn't have the nerve," says New York event planner Marcy Blum. "After Kate and Will did it, they feel validated."

The Tiara

The ultimate princess accessory is back, thanks to the new Duchess of Cambridge, who sported Queen Elizabeth's Cartier "Halo" tiara at her I do's. "Few people were wearing them, but now they've suddenly taken off," says headpiece designer Tia Mazza. Anticipating the post-wedding clamor for crowns, Lindsie Jones, owner of Haute Bride, created a successful new line of chic tiaras. "They've almost sold out," she says.

The Décor

Kate originally wanted a country wedding but compromised by giving Westminster Abbey a woodsy feel, with eight 20-foot trees sourced from the royal estates. "The day after, the phones started ringing with brides asking for trees," says O'Brien. "They add warmth and elegance." New York floral designer Frank Alexander has noticed the same trend: "We're incorporating more tall greenery into the aisle decor."

The Guys

The Ring

Ever since Will proposed to Kate with the sapphire engagement ring of his late mother, Princess Diana, it's been all about haute hand-me-downs. "America is embracing the history and old-world romance that go with an heirloom piece," says Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for the Jewelry Information Center, an industry trade group. "More brides want to wear a ring that's been passed on from their mother or their fiancé's mother."

Even women who don't necessarily want a vintage piece are hoping for something blue: JCPenney reports that sales of sapphire jewelry have increased since Will popped the question. In fact, the department-store chain is so bullish on blue baubles, it now sells an engagement ring inspired by Kate's.

The Hair

If you're suddenly picturing your wedding hair long and loose, you're in good company: "Many brides want to wear their hair down but get an updo because they think they have to," says celebrity hairstylist Rodney Cutler. "Kate has given women the freedom to be themselves."

52% of brides say they're more likely to wear a veil because of the royal wedding.

The Kids

What happens when a future queen puts a posse of six kids in her bridal party? "We've seen the number of children in the wedding increase from one or two to five or six," says Marg Hyland, founder of Pegeen, a children's-wear company. Adds Fiscus: "One bride told us she didn't know any little kids, but she was going to find some to be in her wedding!"

The Hats

Call it the Princess Beatrice effect. "Since the wedding, hat frenzy has gripped the world," says Ellen Christine Colon-Lugo of Ellen Christine Millinery. Eric Javits of the eponymous hat line is also betting on bonnets: "They're the next hot accessory, and the royal wedding fueled the fire. We've already seen a big increase in sales of our spring and summer hats, and fall orders are even bigger!"